New approach to sorting out neighbourhood problems

A NEW approach will be made by Yeovil-based Yarlington Housing Group to sort out neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour issues among its tenants.

Yarlington has formed an agreement with the Somerset Community Justice Panel which was set up in nearby Chard in response to local concerns about anti-social behaviour and the perception that crime was high. The Panel encourages those causing harm or distress to others to acknowledge the impact of what they have done.

Over 900 people have taken part in conferences since the start of the panel; victim satisfaction is at 97% and re-offending rates are only 3%. Following the success of this justice model it has also been piloted elsewhere in the UK.

PHOTO - TOP: Chairman of the Somerset Community Justice Panel, Emma Bourne, right, with Yarlington Housing Group's assistant director of housing and customer services Nick Fry, left, and Yarlington's community safety manager Joe Mullis.

Recognising the value of community justice, Yarlington Housing Association has now entered into a Service Level Agreement with the SCJP.

This agreement will enable Yarlington to focus on using the Community Justice Panel as an early intervention tool, as opposed to the use of a legal remedy, to reduce anti-social behaviour and assist with neighbourhood disputes.

Yarlington's assistant director of housing and customer services, Nick Fry, said: "This Agreement endorses our commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour and is a huge step towards minimising this behaviour in our communities with the timely intervention of the Community Justice Panel."

The CJP Somerset chairman, Emma Bourne, added: "We would like to thank Yarlington for their continued support. Our mutual goal of stronger and safer communities is a great basis for a long-term partnership."

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